The next day.Sabaody Archipelago.
"Fufufufu… How cautious. Or should I say cowardly? The Five Elders. But from now on, I'll have to schedule these bloated pigs from the Holy Land separately so they don't interfere with my other clients."
Doflamingo flicked his fingers, shredding the intelligence report the World Government had provided on its own kindred. The paper crumpled into useless scraps as he turned and flew toward a massive building.
Not that the invitation had come from them in the first place—he was the one who had sent it out.Now was not the time to break ties with the World Government. Tearing off the mask of civility wouldn't benefit him in the slightest while he was still accumulating power.
Besides, targeting a single Celestial Dragon didn't interest him.He wanted them all reduced to dust.
...
World Economy News Headquarters
A large beak, small eyes, an entirely white-feathered body, a big tail, and hands shaped like wings. He wore a black top hat adorned with a red-and-white feather, a light blue dress shirt, a yellow bowtie, and red-and-white checkered trousers under a black cape.
This was Morgans—the Albatross Zoan Devil Fruit user.
One of the emperors of the underworld and the president of the World Economy News.
At this moment, he was grinning brightly at the red-clad figure lounging on his office sofa.
"Doflamingo, is it a new batch of Image Snails this time? The ones you sent last time were way more useful than cameras. If only they could connect to Den Den Mushi…"
"The ones that can connect to them will be available at the upcoming auction. I guarantee you'll be able to witness grand events remotely, capturing world-shaking news with ease," Doflamingo said lazily, shifting comfortably against the plush real-feather sofa. "But, Morgans, I'm not here just for that today. I need your help, my friend."
"Hmm?"
"I need you to run an ad for my family's latest product."
With that, Doflamingo pulled out a transparent box from beneath his cape. Inside was a small, round, crimson object.
"Fine, since you're supplying Image Snails at the auction, I'll give it some publicity. But what is this?" Morgans asked, rubbing his head with a wing, intrigued by the red sphere.
"Enhancement Drug No. 1 . For warriors of the sea seeking greater strength."
A playful smirk curled at Doflamingo's lips as he took out an Image Snail and began playing recorded footage of the test subject.
The man known as "Shinshu" had suffered severe injuries while gathering samples. His body, riddled with wounds, began to transform—muscles swelling, skin regenerating, and eyes glowing an ominous red. Then, without hesitation, he charged straight into the surrounding Seastone-reinforced walls.
"Whoa… It enhances the abilities, strength, and speed of Devil Fruit users while still allowing them to retain some degree of sanity. An incredible product. Zoan users, in particular, are going to remember the Donquixote name after this," Morgans commented, impressed. Then, his tone shifted.
"And what's the cost?"
As a ruler of the underworld, he knew better than to believe in free lunches.
"Just stamina consumption. Any defective trash will pay with their lives. But you're mistaken—it's not limited to Zoan users."
"Oh?" Morgans' eyes widened. "You're saying it works on everyone?"
"Fufufufu… Exactly. Though, for now, Zoan users benefit the most."
The birdman's face grew serious. "'For now'? Meaning there's more to come?"
Doflamingo's smirk deepened. Watching others' shocked expressions was one of his greatest pleasures.
"Amazing. I'll reserve a section in tomorrow's paper for your auction," Morgans declared.
"No, no, Morgans. Two sections. One for the Rare Treasures Auction and another for the Warriors' Market on Lawless Zone No. 16. They're separate events. And I'll need your help for future products as well, my friend."
Morgans' face darkened. "Friend, my ass."
His wings spread in irritation, making him resemble an enraged chicken.
"Absolutely not, Doflamingo. I'm only interested in big news. Don't think you can buy me off with money."
"Of course, my friend. I know you, the News King, hate being controlled. The contents of your paper must always be your own choice. That's why I'm proposing a trade instead."
Morgans visibly perked up at the title "News King," but then hesitated. Folding his flightless wings, he asked, "A trade?"
"That's right. A trade." Doflamingo's expression remained indifferent as he dropped the bombshell.
"Gol D. Roger is about to reach the legendary island of Laugh Tale and become the true Pirate King. Also, Roger is terminally ill."
Morgans' beak fell open in shock.
"What?! How do you know that?! Even my news birds can't reach the mysterious waters leading to the Final Island!"
The existence of the One Piece wasn't a myth among those at his level. He had long been aware of Roger's movements—he had even broken the news of Roger's incursion into Totto Land.
But Roger's current whereabouts, his illness, and the claim that he was on the verge of reaching Laugh Tale… How the hell did Doflamingo know that?
Click.
Doflamingo shut the Image Snail's case, smiling in satisfaction.
"Three years ago, Roger invited a doctor named Crocus onto his ship. I assume that's not news to you. As for Roger's condition, you can verify it yourself through his actions."
"As for him reaching the Final Island… Fufufufu~ I simply saw the future. What do you say? There's more where that came from."
Morgans calmed himself, wiping his pocket watch with a wing before replying in a measured tone,
"If Roger truly reaches Laugh Tale, I'll hold up my end of the deal."
He already believed most of Doflamingo's claims. As a ruler of the information underworld, he had plenty of ways to cross-check and confirm.
As for Doflamingo's so-called ability to predict the future?
Yeah, right.
Everyone had their sources.
A true businessman knew when to stop prying.
"Fufufufu… Of course. You'll see for yourself, my friend. Now, here's what needs to be printed for tomorrow."
A wicked grin stretched across Doflamingo's face. Using information from the future to get free global advertising?
A flawless business move.
Who was truly destined to become the wealthiest man in this pirate world?
...
The Next Day
News of the grand Rare Treasures Auction filled the pages, heavier than ever before, as newspapers flew across the world.
Alabasta
Nefertari Cobra.
Recently crowned as Alabasta's king, he sat in the palace hall, deeply troubled. The worsening desertification, the shrinking oases—his heart was weighed with concern. Even the music playing from the aged Sound Dial did little to ease his worries.
"Freshwater resources are running dry. In this increasingly chaotic world, where does the future of my people lie? I've already cut all possible expenses… Conquering other islands? That would only bring suffering."
Just then, the large-curled hair of Igaram entered the hall, interrupting his thoughts.
"Your Majesty, today's news has arrived."
Cobra took the paper. "Igaram, is there any major event in the world today?"
As he unfolded it, he frowned. "Hmm? Why is it so heavy?"
He continued reading.
"Wait… Isn't this the Donquixote Family that visited Alabasta before?"
His gaze locked onto an article.
"Storage-capable Water Dials…? Could these be used to store water during the rainy season?"
His eyes brightened as he skimmed further.
"Entry requirement: One ounce of gold… About 220,000 Belly… Igaram, prepare the ship. We're heading to Sabaody!"
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg